This article appeared in The Mayo News on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Back in the economically dark days of 2012, Ireland passed the Children’s Rights Referendum, ostensibly committing to place children’s welfare at the heart of the Constitution, enshrining the protection of children, and legally prioritising their best interests. The referendum, while hailed as a milestone for children’s rights, did not inspire voters, with a measly 33.5 per cent turnout.

This apathy should have confirmed to us what Ireland has long since demonstrated. Despite this legislative milestone and what we might like to tell ourselves,, outside of our own four walls – and sometimes, not even within them – the majority of people in Ireland simply do not care about children.